Four London men jailed over Plymouth acid murder linked to £120,000 drug debt

Four men from London have been sentenced for their roles in the fatal acid attack on Danny Cahalane, 38, at his home in Plymouth on 21 February 2025. Cahalane died in hospital weeks after the assault, which was linked to a £120,000 drug debt owed to an overseas drug boss.

Abdulrasheed Adedoja, 23, of Neasden, and Israel Augustus, 27, of Tottenham, were jailed for life for murder. Adedoja must serve at least 29 years and 255 days, while Augustus was given a minimum term of 28 years and 210 days. Both sentences include additional time for drug offences and possession of a knife.

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Manslaughter convictions and sentences

Ramarnee Bakas, 24, of Islington, was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter. He has already spent 475 days in custody, which will count toward his sentence. Paris Wilson, 35, of Plymouth, received a nine-year sentence for manslaughter and a 12-month term for attempted kidnapping. She will serve two-thirds of the manslaughter sentence before being released on licence.

Winchester Crown Court heard that Wilson, Cahalane’s ex-wife, had been pressured by Ryan Kennedy, known as Frost, over the drug debt. Ms Justice Norton told Wilson she knew an acid attack was a possibility. "Whatever your motivation was, whether money, security or revenge, in that moment, your main concern was yourself," the judge said, as reported by the BBC.

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Danny suffered the most horrific injuries having endured 10 operations and losing the sight in his eye. It was an orchestrated, you could almost say, an execution of Danny because of this outstanding drug debt.

Rachael Scott, Senior District Prosecutor

Impact on Cahalane’s family

Cahalane’s family described the emotional toll of his death in victim impact statements. His aunt, Jayne Keeper, said his loss was "immeasurable" and that he was a "great father and son". His stepfather, Tony Bleach, said he had lost both his son and his partner, as Cahalane’s mother died of cancer the day after her son’s death.

Bleach said the attack was "cruel and deeply distressing". "There are days when I’m simply getting through, rather than living," he told the court, as reported by the BBC. "I find myself constantly thinking about if there was more I could have done."

Other convictions and police response

Three other individuals were sentenced for related offences. Isanah Sungum, 22, of Edmonton, was jailed for two years and two months for involvement in an organised crime gang. Jean Mukuna, 24, and Arrone Mukuna, 25, both of Camden, received 16-month sentences for attempted kidnapping. Jean Mukuna also received a three-year term for possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

Jude Hill, 44, of Plymouth, was acquitted of murder and manslaughter but jailed for two years and eight months for supplying cannabis. Detective Superintendent Rachael Bentley of Devon and Cornwall Police described the attack as "particularly barbaric". "Acid attacks remain rare in Devon and Cornwall but are a particularly cowardly and devastating means of violence," she said, as reported by the BBC.

What happens next

Adedoja and Augustus will serve life sentences with minimum terms of 29 and 28 years respectively. Bakas will be eligible for release after serving two-thirds of his 10-year sentence. Wilson will serve two-thirds of her eight-year manslaughter sentence before being released on licence, in addition to the 12-month term for attempted kidnapping.

The case has concluded at Winchester Crown Court. No further legal proceedings related to this attack are expected. Residents in Neasden, Tottenham and Islington may wish to contact local police or community safety teams for information on support services following the sentencing of local men involved in the crime.